Panel interlocking arrangement, carton and carton blank

ABSTRACT

A panel interlocking arrangement for securing a pair of panels together comprising: first and second panels for placement in an overlapping position. The first and second panels are disposed at least in part in a face-contacting arrangement. A pair of locking elements are provided for locking engagement with each other to secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises a male locking element and female locking element. The female locking element is formed in the second panel and the male locking element is connected to the first panel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present invention relate to a panel interlockingarrangement, a carton and a blank for forming the same morespecifically, but not exclusively, to a carton comprising a tamperevident lock for securing a pair of panels together.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers witha package comprising multiple primary product containers. Suchmulti-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution purposes and forthe display of promotional information. For cost and environmentalconsiderations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from aslittle material as possible and cause as little wastage as possible inthe materials from which they are formed. Another consideration is thestrength of the packaging and its suitability for holding andtransporting large weights of articles.

It is desirable to provide a carton comprising a lock to secure at leasttwo panels together, it is beneficial if the lock indicates that thepackage has been accessed since being locked.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate theproblems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provideda panel interlocking arrangement comprising first and second panels forplacement in an overlapping position. The first and second panels aredisposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement. The panelinterlocking arrangement comprises a pair of locking elements forlocking engagement with each other to secure the first and second panelsin the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises amale locking element and female locking element. The female lockingelement is formed in the second panel. The male locking element isconnected to the first panel. The female locking element includes a cutformed in the second panel. The second panel comprises a corner definedby first and second peripheral edges of the second panel. The firstperipheral edge is hingedly connected, at least in part, to a thirdpanel. The second peripheral edge is hingedly connected, at least inpart, to a fourth panel. The second panel further comprises first andsecond portions on the opposite sides of the cut. The first portionextends between the cut and the corner such that the first portion isbrought into contact at an inside surface thereof with at least part ofthe male locking element when the male and female locking elements arein the locking engagement. The cut comprises first and second angledsegments. The first segment is disposed obliquely with respect to eachof the first and second peripheral edges. The second segment extendsfrom the first segment away from the corner.

Optionally, the female locking element further includes an openingformed in the second portion of the second panel, the opening beingdefined in part by part of the cut.

Optionally, the opening is defined in part by the second segment of thecut.

Optionally, the female locking element further includes a retaining tabhingedly connected to the second portion of the second panel along afold line. The opening is defined in the second portion when theretaining tab is folded about the fold line out of a plane of the secondpanel.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provideda blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of primarypanels connected together to define an interior of the carton forreceiving at least one article. The plurality of primary panels includesan inner front panel, a bottom panel hingedly connected to the innerfront panel along a first fold line, a rear panel hingedly connected tothe bottom panel along a second fold line, a top panel hingedlyconnected to the rear panel along a third fold line, and an outer frontpanel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fourth fold line. Theinner and outer front panels are arranged for placement in anoverlapping position when the blank is erected into a carton. The innerand outer front panels are disposed, at least in part, in aface-contacting arrangement. The blank further comprises a male lockingelement and a female locking element for locking engagement with eachother to secure the inner and outer front panels in the overlappingposition. The female locking element is formed in the inner front panel.The male locking element is connected to the outer front panel. Thefemale locking element includes a cut formed in the inner front panel.The inner front panel comprises a corner defined by first and secondperipheral edges of the inner front panel. The first peripheral edge ishingedly connected, at least in part, to the bottom panel by the firstfold line. The second peripheral edge is hingedly connected, at least inpart, to an end flap. The inner front panel further comprises first andsecond portions on the opposite sides of the cut. The first portionextends between the cut and the corner such that the first portion isbrought into contact at an inside surface thereof with at least part ofthe male locking element when the male and female locking elements arein the locking engagement. The cut comprises first and second angledsegments. The first segment is disposed obliquely with respect to eachof the first and second peripheral edges. The second segment extendsfrom the first segment away from the corner.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provideda panel interlocking arrangement comprising first and second panels forplacement in an overlapping position. The first and second panels aredisposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement. Male andfemale locking elements are provided for locking engagement with eachother to secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position.The female locking element is formed in the second panel. The malelocking element is connected to the first panel. The first panel ishingedly connected to a third panel along a first fold line. The firstand second panels are hingedly connected together indirectly through atleast the third panel for generally linear movement toward and relativeto each other along a notional line into the overlapping position. Thenotional line is parallel to at least one of the first and second panelsand is generally perpendicular to the first fold line. The male lockingelement comprises a locking tab hingedly connected to the first panelalong a second fold line such that the male and female locking elementsare engageable into the locking engagement through the generally linearmovement of at least one of the first and second panels. The second foldline is disposed obliquely with respect to the notional line.

Optionally, the at least the third panel comprises two or more panelshingedly connected together in series.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provideda blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of primarypanels connected together to define an interior of the carton forreceiving at least one article. The plurality of primary panels includesan inner front panel, a bottom panel hingedly connected to the innerfront panel along a first fold line, a rear panel hingedly connected tothe bottom panel along a second fold line, a top panel hingedlyconnected to the rear panel along a third fold line, and an outer frontpanel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fourth fold line. Theinner and outer front panels are arranged for placement into anoverlapping position when the blank is erected into a carton wherein theinner and outer front panels are disposed, at least in part, in aface-contacting arrangement to form a single front wall in the carton.The blank further comprises male and female locking elements for lockingengagement with each other so as to secure the inner and outer frontpanels in the overlapping position. The female locking element is formedin the inner front panel. The male locking element comprises a lockingtab hingedly connected to the outer front panel along a fifth fold line.The first, second, third, and fourth fold lines are parallel to oneanother such that the inner and outer front panels are movable relativeto each other along a notional line into the overlapping position. Thenotional line is parallel to at least one of the inner and outer frontpanels and is generally perpendicular to the fourth fold line. The fifthfold line is disposed obliquely with respect to the fourth fold linesuch that the male and female locking elements are engageable into thelocking engagement through linear sliding movement of at least one ofthe inner and outer front panels along the notional line toward andrelative to the other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure there is provideda panel interlocking device for securing a pair of panels together. Thepanel interlocking device comprises a first part provided by one of thepair of panels and a second part provided by the other one of the pairof panels. The first part comprises a male tab struck from within theone of the pair of panels. The male tab comprises a head sectionhingedly connected to a body section by a hinged connection. The bodysection is detachably connected to the one of the pair of panels andstruck therefrom or defined therein. The body section is defined by atleast one severance line. The severance line extends between a first endof the hinged connection and a second end of the hinged connection. Thehead section defines a first aperture in the one of the pair of panels.The second part comprises a cutaway struck from the other one of thepair of panels to form a receiver. The cutaway defines a second aperturewhich receives the head section. The second aperture provides a pair ofopposing edges of the other one of the pair of panels. In a lockedcondition one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on a first sideof the one of the pair of panels and a portion of the other one of thepair of opposing edges is disposed on a second side of the one of thepair of panels. A portion of the other one of the pair of panels atleast partially occludes the first aperture in the one of the pair ofpanels. The cutaway may be shaped such that the other one of the pair ofopposing edges overlaps with the hinged connection between the headsection and body section.

Optionally, the cutaway is shaped such that the one of the pair ofopposing edges is spaced apart from the hinged connection between thehead section and body section.

Optionally, the severance line comprises a pair of severance lines.

Optionally, the pair of severance lines comprises a first partial depthseverance line provided in a first face of the one of the pair of panelsand a second partial depth severance line provided in a second, reverse,face of the one of the pair of panels.

Optionally, the second partial depth severance line is generally similarin shape to the first partial depth severance line and spaced parttherefrom.

Optionally, the second partial depth severance line is generallyparallel to the first partial depth severance line.

Optionally, the second partial depth severance line and the firstpartial depth severance line converge with each other at each endthereof.

Optionally, the cutaway comprises one of the features selected from thefollowing group: a cut line, severance line, and opening.

Optionally, the cutaway comprises an opening defined at least in part bya tab foldably connected to the other one of the pair of panels.

Optionally, the cutaway comprises a cutline and an opening adjacent tothe cutline, the opening being provided on a leading edge or side of thereceiver.

Optionally, a cut line defines the receiver and comprises anintermediate portion and end portions, the end portions being offsetwith respect to the intermediate portion.

Optionally, terminal ends of the end portions define a notional lineobliquely oriented with respect to a pair of adjacently disposed bracepanels hingedly connected to the other one of the pair of panels.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure there is provideda carton of a clam shell arrangement comprising, a tray and a lidhingedly connected to the tray. The carton comprises the panelinterlocking arrangement as described in the foregoing aspects, in whichthe first part is provided by a panel forming one of the tray and lidand the second part is provided by a panel forming the other one of thetray and lid. The first and second parts are brought into engagementwhen the lid or cover is closed.

Optionally, the lid is closed by pivoting the lid about a hingedconnection between the tray and the lid.

Optionally, the fold line between the head section and the body sectionis obliquely oriented with respect to the hinged connection between thetray and the lid.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure there isprovided a carton comprising a plurality of panels hinged one to thenext in a linear series by a respective fold line. The carton comprisesthe panel interlocking arrangement as described in the foregoingaspects, the first part being provided by a first one of the pair ofpanels, and the second part being provided by a second one of the pairof panels. The first one of the pair of panels is disposed inoverlapping relationship second one of the pair of panels to form acomposite panel.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended thatthe various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternativesset out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in thefollowing description and drawings may be considered or takenindependently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, oneembodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is anincompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from oneembodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the otherembodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted fromsaid one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement ofone or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed hereinmay be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment.Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodimentmay be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 1B to 1G illustrate stages of construction of a carton from theblank of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from theblank of FIG. 1 showing the carton in an open condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from theblank of FIG. 1 showing the carton in a closed condition;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from theblank of FIG. 1 showing an access feature an open condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 2showing a locking feature being brought into engagement;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 2showing a locking feature in a locked condition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 2showing a locking feature in a locked condition in a disengaged orsevered condition;

FIGS. 8A to 8B illustrate enlarged views of portions of the blank ofFIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the panel interlockingarrangements, packages, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It willbe understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of theway in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and donot represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may beembodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the panel interlockingarrangements, packages, blanks and cartons described herein may beembodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimisedto show details of particular components. Well-known components,materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail inorder to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ theinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a blank 10 for forming acarton 90 capable of accepting an input of primary products such as, butnot limited to a food or beverage product.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20hinged one to the next in a linear series. The blank 10 forms a cartonof a clamshell configuration, that is to say it comprises a base or trayhaving a lid or cover hingedly connected thereto. The base and covereach having upstanding walls. The base comprises upstanding wallssurrounding a base panel 18. The cover may comprise upstanding walls atleast partially surrounding a top panel 14.

The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 comprises a cover orouter side wall panel 12 hinged to the top panel 14 by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 13. A first base side wall panel16 is hinged to the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a foldline 15. The base panel 18 is hinged to the first base side wall panel16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. A second baseor inner side wall panel 20 is hinged to the base panel 18 by a hingedconnection such as a fold line 19.

A flap 22 may be hinged connected to second base or inner side wallpanel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21.

The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the blank 10 formwalls of a tubular structure in a set-up condition. The tubularstructure is at least partially closed by end closure structures. Thetubular structure has a tubular axis defining a longitudinal direction.

The tray comprises end closure panels 28A, 30A, 32A, 28B, 30B, 32Bforming end walls of the tray.

End closure panels 28A, 30A, 32A are configured to close a first end ofthe cover and end closure panels 28B, 30B, 32B are configured to close asecond end of the cover.

The cover comprises end closure panels 24A, 26A, 24B, 26B forming endwalls of the cover.

End closure panels 24A, 26A are configured to close a first end of thecover and end closure panels 24B, 26B are configured to close a secondend of the cover.

A first cover end closure panel 24A is hinged to a first end of thecover side wall panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23A.A second cover end closure panel 24A is hinged to a first end of the toppanel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25A.

A third cover end closure panel 24B is hinged to a second end of thecover side wall panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23B.A fourth cover end closure panel 24B is hinged to a second end of thetop panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25B.

A first base end closure panel 28A is hinged to a first end of the firstbase side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27A.A second base end closure panel 30A is hinged to a first end of the basepanel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 29A. A third baseend closure panel 32A is hinged to a first end of the second base sidewall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 31A.

A fourth base end closure panel 28B is hinged to a second end of thefirst base side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line27B. A fifth base end closure panel 30B is hinged to a second end of thebase panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 29B. A sixthbase end closure panel 32B is hinged to a second end of the second baseside wall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 31B.

The second cover end closure panel 26A and fourth cover end closurepanel 26B each comprise a fold line F1, F2 respectively, the fold linesF1, F2 are configured to allow the cover to fold into a flat collapsedform. The fold lines F1, F2 extend from a corner of the respective oneof the second and fourth cover end closure panels 26A, 26B adjacent tothe fold line 25A, 25B hinging said one of the second and fourth coverend closure panels 26A, 26B to the top panel 14. The fold lines F1, F2extend obliquely with respect to the fold line 25A, 25B hinging said oneof the second and fourth cover end closure panels 26A, 26B to the toppanel 14.

The second base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel30B each comprise a pair of fold lines F3, F4, F5, F6 configured toallow the base to fold into a flat collapsed form.

Each of the fold lines F3, F4 extends from a respective corner of thesecond base end closure panel 30A adjacent to the fold line 25A hingingthe second base end closure panel 30A to the base panel 18. The foldlines F3, F4 extend obliquely with respect to the fold line 25A hingingthe second base end closure panel 30A to the base panel 18.

Each of the fold lines F5, F6 extends from a respective corner of thefifth base end closure panel 30B adjacent to the fold line 25B hingingthe fifth base end closure panel 308 to the base panel 18. The foldlines F5, F6 extend obliquely with respect to the fold line 25B hingingthe fifth base end closure panel 30B to the base panel 18.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises an access feature D for facilitatinginspection or access to the contents of the carton 90. The accessfeature D comprises an access flap 14A struck from at least the toppanel 14. In the illustrated embodiment the access flap 14A is definedwithin the top panel 14. The access flap 14A is defined by a severanceline 51. Optionally, a portion 51B of the severance line 51 may serve asa hinged connection between the access flap 14A and the top panel 14.

When severed along at least a first portion 51A of the severance line 51the access flap 14A may be displaced out of the plane of the top panel14 to form an opening in the top panel 14.

In some embodiments a film or sheet 70 may be applied to an innersurface of the top panel 14, as shown in FIG. 2 . The film or sheet 70may be transparent so as to form a window to allow inspection of thecontents of the carton 90 and simultaneously retain the contents withinthe carton 90. The film or sheet 70 may prevent or at least inhibitaccess to the contents by a user. The film or sheet 70 may be securedfor example with glue or other adhesive treatment to a portion of thetop panel 14 surrounding the access flap 14A. The access flap 14A mayunsecured to the sheet 70 or may be secured with a fugitive glue.

The blank 10 comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanismcomprises first part M provided by the cover and a second part Rxprovided by the base.

The first part M forms a male locking element generally of the form ofan arrow head. The first part M is struck from, or defined within, thecover side wall panel 12. The second part Rx forms a female lockingelement or receiver for receiving the first part M.

The first part M comprises a head section 40 defined by a severance lineor cut line. The head section 40 comprises a waist defining, at least inpart, a pair of catches or barbs on opposing side thereof.

The head section 40 is coupled to a main body 42 by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 41. The main body 42 is elongate in shape andcomprises a longitudinal axis. The fold line 41 is obliquely orientedwith respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body 42. The main body42 is defined in part by a first partial depth cut 45 on a first side ofthe sheet material forming the blank 10. The main body 42 is defined inpart by a second partial depth cut 43 on a second opposing or reverseside of the sheet material forming the blank 10. The second partialdepth cut 43 is shaped similarly to the first partial depth cut 45albeit defining a larger area than the first partial depth cut 45. Thesecond partial depth cut 43 substantially surrounds the first partialdepth cut 45. The second partial depth cut 43 follows the contour of thefirst partial depth cut 45 in a spaced apart relationship thereto. Endsof the first partial depth cut 45 converge with ends of the secondpartial depth cut 43.

A first pair of converging ends of the first and second partial depthcuts 45, 43 converge at a first end of the fold line 41 at the point itmeets the cut line defining the head section 40.

A second pair of converging ends of the first and second partial depthcuts 45, 43 converge at a second end of the fold line 41 at the point itmeets the cut line defining the head section.

The main body 42 provides a tear strip or detachable section. Thedetachable section can be punched or pressed out of the cover side wallpanel 12 by a user and is dimensioned so as to be readily engaged by auser's finger or thumb pad. The second partial depth cut 43 being largerthan the first partial depth cut 45 and provided upon the reversesurface, which is innermost, an internal face, in normal use of thecarton 90 ensures the main body 42 is readily pressed out of the coverside wall panel 12 from the first side or surface of the cover side wallpanel 12 which is a external face of the cover side wall panel 12.

The first and second partial depth cuts 45, 43 are substantially “U”shaped, in the illustrated embodiment one leg of the “U” shape cuts islonger than the other.

The first part M is located in the cover side wall panel 12 proximate toa side edge thereof. In the illustrated embodiment the first part M islocated proximate to the fold line 23B hinging the third cover endclosure panel 24B to the cover side wall panel 12. The third and fourthcover end closure panels 24B, 26B secure the cover side wall panel 12 ina substantially perpendicular relationship to the top panel 14. Thethird and fourth cover end closure panels 24B, 26B form an end wallwhich act as a brace between cover side wall panel 12 in and the toppanel 14. In this way the end wall provides rigidity to the cover suchthat when a user presses upon the main body 42 the cover side wall panel12 resists deformation such that the first part M is readily separatedfrom the carton 90.

A first catch or barb of the head section 40 is located in closerproximity to a free end edge of the cover side wall panel 12 than afirst catch or barb of the head section 40.

The second part Rx comprises a outline 63. The outline 63 extendsgenerally obliquely with respect to the fold line 19 hinging the secondbase side wall panel 20 to the base panel 18.

The cutline 63 extends generally obliquely with respect to the fold line31B hinging the sixth base end closure panel 32B to the second base sidewall panel 20.

The cutline 63 comprises a central or intermediate element and a pair ofend cut elements 65A, 65B. The pair of end cut elements 65A, 65B arecollinear with each other and may be offset with respect to theintermediate element. The pair of end cut elements 65A, 65B are eachlinear in shape however in alternative embodiments they may benon-linear or curved. The intermediate element is curved in shapehowever in alternative embodiments it may be another non-linear shape ormay be linear. In some embodiments the cutline 63 may be a continuouscurvilinear shape in which the end cut elements 65A, 65B are offset withrespect to the central element.

A first end cut element 65A is located in closer proximity to the basepanel 18 than the second end cut element 65B.

Optionally, an opening is provided in the second base side wall panel 20adjacent to the cutline 63. The opening may be elongate and extendsalong at least a portion of the centre element. The opening may extendalong the entire centre element. In the illustrated embodiment theopening is defined, at least in part, by a tab 60 hingedly connected tothe second base side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form ofa fold line 61.

The opening or tab 60 is arranged to located above the cutline 63 whenin normal use. The opening or tab 60 is located prior to the cut line 63when the first part M is brought into registry with the second part Rx.That is to say during engagement of the first part M with the secondpart Rx the head section 40 first encounters or meets the opening or tab60—before it meets the cut line 63.

The opening or tab 60, when pressed inwardly or out of the plane of thesecond base side wall panel 20, exposes an edge of the second base sidewall panel 20 defined by the cutline 63. The opening or tab 60facilitates insertion of the head section 40 through the aperturecreated by the cutline 63 when opened up.

The second part Rx is located in the second base side wall panel 20proximate to a pair of hinged edges, a first hinged edge is provided bythe hinged connection to sixth base end closure panel 32B, and a secondhinged edge is provided by the hinged connection to the base panel 18.

In a set up condition the base panel 18 and an end wall provided by thefifth and sixth base end closure panels 30B, 32B each serve to providesupports or braces to the second base side wall panel 20 when pressureis applied thereto. In this way the second base side wall panel 20resists deformation when the first part M is pressed out of the coverside wall panel 12.

Optionally, a recess or cutaway R is struck from the free end edge ofthe cover side wall panel 12. The recess R may facilitate grasping anedge of the cover side wall panel 12 when disposed in face to facerelationship with the second base side wall panel 20 in a setup carton90.

The carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operationsin a straight line machine so that the carton 90 may not be required tobe rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding processis not limited to that described below and may be altered according toparticular manufacturing requirements.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2 ,the second cover end closure panel 26A and fourth cover end closurepanel 26B are folded about fold lines 25A, 25B respectively such thatthe second cover end closure panel 26A and fourth cover end closurepanel 26B are disposed in overlying relationship with the top panel 14,as shown in FIG. 1B.

The first cover end closure panel 24A and third cover end closure panel24B are folded about fold lines 23A, 23B respectively such that thefirst cover end closure panel 24A and third cover end closure panel 24Bare disposed in overlying relationship with the cover side wall panel12, as shown in FIG. 1B.

The second cover end closure panel 26A is folded about fold line F1 suchthat a corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of second cover endclosure panel 26A, as shown in FIG. 1C. The fourth cover end closurepanel 26B is folded about fold line F2 such that a corner portionoverlies an adjacent portion of the fourth cover end closure panel 26B.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of thefirst cover end closure panel 24A and third cover end closure panel 24B.Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to aninner surface of the corner portions of the second cover end closurepanel 26A and fourth cover end closure panel 26B.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 13 such that the cover sidewall panel 12 is disposed in overlying relationship with the top panel14, as shown in FIG. 1D. The first cover end closure panel 24A issecured to the second cover end closure panel 26A. The second cover endclosure panel 24B is secured to the fourth cover end closure panel 26B.

The second base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel30B are folded about fold lines 29A, 29B respectively such that thesecond base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel 30Bare disposed in overlying relationship with the base panel 18, as shownin FIG. 10 .

The flap 22 is folded about fold line 21 to be disposed in overlyingrelationship with the second base side wall panel 20.

The third base end closure panel 32A and sixth base end closure panel32B are folded about fold lines 31A, 31B respectively such that thethird base end closure panel 32A and sixth base end closure panel 32Bare disposed in overlying relationship with the second base side wallpanel 20, as shown in FIG. 1D.

The first base end closure panel 28A and fourth base end closure panel28B are folded about fold lines 27A, 27B respectively such that thefirst base end closure panel 28A and fourth base end closure panel 28Bare disposed in overlying relationship with the first base side wallpanel 16.

The second base end closure panel 30A is folded about fold line F4 suchthat a corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of second base endclosure panel 30A, as shown in FIG. 1E.

The fifth base end closure panel 30B is folded about fold line F6 suchthat a corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of the fifth base endclosure panel 30B, as shown in FIG. 1E.

The second base end closure panel 30A is folded about fold line F3 suchthat a second corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of second baseend closure panel 30A, as shown in FIG. 1E. The fifth base end closurepanel 30B is folded about fold line F5 such that a second corner portionoverlies an adjacent portion of the fifth base end closure panel 30B, asshown in FIG. 1E.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of thesecond base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel 30B.Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to aninner surface of the corner portions of the third base end closure panel32A and sixth base end closure panel 32B.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 19 such that the second baseside wall panel 20 is disposed in overlying relationship with the basepanel 18, as shown in FIG. 1F. The third base end closure panel 32A issecured to the second base end closure panel 30A. The sixth base endclosure panel 32B is secured to the fifth base end closure panel 30B.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of thefirst base end closure panel 28A and fourth base end closure panel 28B.Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to aninner surface of the second corner portions of the second base endclosure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel 30B.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 17 such that the first baseside wall panel 16 is disposed in overlying relationship with the basepanel 18, as shown in FIG. 1G. The first base end closure panel 28A issecured to the second base end closure panel 30A. The fourth base endclosure panel 28B is secured to the fifth base end closure panel 30B.

The blank 10 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structurewhich can be readily shipped or distributed.

The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form a tray andcover. The cover is formed by unfolding the cover side panel 12 withrespect to the top panel 14 such that the cover side panel 12 isdisposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the top panel 14.Cover end walls are automatically erected as a consequence.

The base is formed by unfolding the first base side panel 16 and thesecond base side panel 20 with respect to the base panel 18 such thatthe first base side panel 16 and the second base side panel 20 aredisposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base panel18. Base end walls are automatically erected as a consequence.

The carton 90, in its erected form, may be loaded with one or moreproducts through an open, upper, end of the tray.

Once the carton 90 has been loaded with product the carton 90 is closedby folding the cover about the base. The side and end walls of the coverare brought into face to face relationship with the second base end wall20 and end walls of the base, as shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 illustrates the first part M of the locking mechanism beingbrought into engagement with the second part Rx as the cover is closedabout the base of the carton 90.

The head section 40 is displaced out of the plane of the cover side wallpanel 12 inwardly of the cover. The head section 40 folds with respectto the main body 42 about fold line 41.

The head section 40 is inserted into an aperture created in the secondbase side wall panel 20 by opening the cutline 63. This may be achievedby displacing a region of the second base side wall panel 20 inwardly ofthe base. The tab 60 may be folded internally of the carton 90 tofacilitate creation of the aperture, or to enlarge the aperture.

The cover is pivoted about the hinged connection (provided by the foldline 15) between the cover and the base. In doing so the first part M ismoved downwardly into face to face relationship with the second baseside wall panel 20. The head section 40 passes through the aperture inthe second base side wall panel 20 to be internal of the carton 90.

A portion of the second base side wall panel 20 defined by the cutline63, or at least the intermediate element thereof, passes through anaperture A1 created in the cover side wall panel 12 created when thehead section 40 is folded internally. The portion of the of the secondbase side wall panel 20 which passes through the aperture A1 in thecover side wall panel 12 may cover or conceal, that is to say overlap oroverlie, the hinged connection, fold line 41, between the head section40 and the main body 42.

The tab 60 is disposed in overlapping relationship with the main body 42of the first part M.

The tab 60 is hinged to the second base side wall panel 20 in sympathywith the head section 40.

The tab 60 is arranged such that a free edge opposing its hingedconnection, fold line 61, to the second base side wall panel 20 does notoverlap with the head section 40, the free edge is spaced apart from thefold line 41 when the first part M is fully inserted into the secondpart Rx.

The second part Rx comprises a hinged female tab 60 on a leading edge ofthe receiver or cutline 63.

FIG. 4 shows the carton 90 in a locked condition, the cover is engagedwith the base. The access feature D has been deployed severing theseverance line 51 along a section 51A thereof. The access flap 14A isfolded about a second section 51B of the severance line 51. The contentsof the carton 90 can be viewed or inspected through the opening in thetop panel 14.

The film 70 retains the contents of the carton 90 and prevents ingressof dirt, moisture or other matter. The film 70 inhibits removal of thecontents of the carton 90 through the opening in the top panel 14created by partially or fully separating access flap 14A from the carton90.

FIG. 7 illustrates disengaging the lock mechanism. The main body 42 ispressed inwardly tearing a region of the cover side wall panel 12between the first and second partial depth cuts 45, 43. The main body 42and head section 40 are separated from the cover. The head section 40remains engaged with the second part Rx; the carton 90 can be opened bypivoting the cover with respect to the base by unfolding about fold line15.

The head section 40 remains attached to the main body 42.

The tab 60 (or opening) may facilitate unlocking by providing ayieldable region (or void) in registry, behind, the main body 42 whichis readily displaced inwardly, thus enabling tearing to initiate orpropagate between the first and second partial depth cuts 45, 43.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , there is shown an additional embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numeralshave, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with theaddition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong tothe second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many commonfeatures with the first embodiment and therefore only the differencesfrom the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8B will be described indetail.

FIG. 9 shows a blank 110 for forming a carton, the blank 110 comprises aplurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, hinged one to the nextin a linear series. The blank 110 forms a carton of a clamshellconfiguration, that is to say it comprises a base or tray having a lidor cover hingedly connected thereto. The base and cover each havingupstanding walls. The base comprises upstanding walls surrounding a basepanel 118. The cover may comprise upstanding walls at least partiallysurrounding a top panel 114.

The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 comprises a coveror outer side wall panel 112 hinged to the top panel 114 by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 113. A first base side wall panel116 is hinged to the top panel 114 by a hinged connection such as a foldline 115. The base panel 118 is hinged to the first base side wall panel116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. A second baseor inner side wall panel 120 is hinged to the base panel 118 by a hingedconnection such as a fold line 119.

The blank 110 comprises a pair of locking mechanisms, each lockingmechanism comprises first part M1, M2 provided by the cover and a secondpart Rx1, Rx2 provided by the base. Each of the locking mechanisms issubstantially the same in construction as that of the embodiment of FIG.1 and described above.

The blank 10 comprises a first locking mechanism and a second lockingmechanism. The first locking mechanism comprises a first part M1disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 123B, between thecover side wall panel 112 and a third cover end closure panel 124B. Thesecond locking mechanism comprises a first part M2 disposed proximatethe hinged connection, fold line 123A, between the cover side wall panel112 and a first cover end closure panel 124A.

The first part M1 of the first locking mechanism is a mirror image ofthe first part M2 of the second locking mechanism.

The first locking mechanism comprises a second part Rx1, forming areceiver, disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 131B,between the second base side wall panel 120 and a sixth base end closurepanel 132B and disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 119,between the second base side wall panel 120 and the base panel 118.

The second locking mechanism comprises a second part Rx2, forming areceiver, disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 131A,between the second base side wall panel 120 and a third base end closurepanel 132A and disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 119,between the second base side wall panel 120 and the base panel 118.

The second part Rx1 of the first locking mechanism is a mirror image ofthe second part Rx2 of the second locking mechanism.

The free edge of the cover side wall panel 112 comprises a pair ofrecesses or cutaways. Each recess is disposed adjacent to one of thefirst parts M1, M2 of the first and second locking mechanismsrespectively.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a carton 90 forpackaging one or more articles. The carton 90 comprises a pair of panels12, 20; 112, 120 locked or secured together by a panel interlockingdevice M/Rx; M1/Rx1, M2/Rx2. The panel interlocking device M/Rx; M1/Rx1,M2/Rx2 comprises a first part M; M1, M2 provided by one of the pair ofpanels 12, 20; 112, 120 and a second part Rx; Rx1, Rx2 provided by theother one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The first part M; M1,M2 comprises a male tab 40/42 struck from within the one of the pair ofpanels 12, 20; 112, 120. The male tab 40/42 comprises a head section 40hingedly connected to a body section 42 by a hinged connection. The bodysection 42 is detachably connected to the one of the pair of panels 12,20; 112, 120 and struck therefrom or defined therein. The body section42 is defined by at least one severance line 45, 43. The severance line45, 43 extends between a first end of the hinged connection and a secondend of the hinged connection. The severance line 45, 43 may comprise apair of severance lines 45, 43. The pair of severance lines 45, 43 maycomprise a first partial depth severance line 45 defined, or providedin, a first side or surface of the one of the pair of panels 12, 20;112, 120. The pair of severance lines 45, 43 may comprise a secondpartial depth severance line 43 defined, or provided in, a second,reverse, side or surface of the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112,120. The second partial depth severance line 43 is generally similar inshape to the first partial depth severance line 45 and spaced parttherefrom. The second partial depth severance line 43 may be generallyparallel to the first partial depth severance line 45. The secondpartial depth severance line 43 and the first partial depth severanceline 45 may converge with each other at each end thereof. The headsection 40 defines a first aperture A1 in the one of the pair of panels12, 20; 112, 120. The second part Rx; Rx1 Rx2 comprises a cutaway struckfrom the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120 to form areceiver. The cutaway may take the form of a cut or severance line 63 oropening. The opening may be defined at least in part by a tab foldablyconnected to the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. Thecutaway defines a second aperture which receives the head section 40,the second aperture provides a pair of opposing edges of the other oneof the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. In an engaged or lockedcondition one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on a first,internal, side of the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120, and aportion of the other one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on asecond, external, side of the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112,120. A portion of the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120at least partially closes, obscures or occludes the first aperture A1 inthe one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The cutaway may beshaped such that the other one of the pair of opposing edges overlapswith the hinged connection, fold line 41, between the head section 40and body section 42. The cutaway may be shaped such that the one of thepair of opposing edges is spaced apart from the hinged connection, foldline 41, between the head section 40 and body section 42.

The cutaway may comprise a cutline 63 and an opening adjacent to thecutline 63, the opening being provided on a leading edge or side of thereceiver. The leading edge or side of the receiver being that which themale tab 40/42 meets first when the first and second parts M, Rx; M1,M2, Rx1, Rx2 are brought into engagement.

The carton 90 may be of a clam shell type, a tray or base having a lidor cover hingedly connected to the tray or base. The first and secondparts M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 are brought into engagement when the lidor cover is closed. The lid or cover is closed by pivoting or rotatingthe lid or cover about a hinged connection, fold line 15; 115, betweenthe tray or base and the lid or cover. The fold line 41 between the headsection 40 and the body section 42 may be obliquely oriented withrespect to the hinged connection, fold line 15; 115, between the tray orbase and the lid or cover.

The carton 90 may comprise a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20;112, 114, 116, 118, 120 hinged one to the next in a linear series by arespective fold line 13, 15, 17, 19; 113, 115, 117, 119. The first partM; M1, M2 may be provided by a first one of the pair of panels 12, 112,and the second part Rx; Rx1, Rx2 may be provided by a second one of thepair of panels 20; 120. The first one of the pair of panels 12, 112, isdisposed in overlapping relationship with the second one of the pair ofpanels 20; 120.

The cut line 63 defining the receiver may comprise an intermediate orcentral portion and end portions 65A, 65B; the end portions 65A, 65B maybe offset with respect to the intermediate or central portion. Terminalends of the end portions 65A, 65B define a notional line y-y obliquelyoriented with respect to fold lines 19, 31B; 119, 131A, 131B hingedlyconnecting a pair of adjacently disposed brace panels 18, 32B; 118,132A, 132B to the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120.

The present disclosure also provides a panel interlocking arrangementM/Rx; M1/Rx1, M2/Rx2 comprising: first 12; 112 and second 20; 120 panelsfor placement in an overlapping position. The first and second panels12, 20; 112, 120 are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contactingarrangement. A pair of locking elements is provided for lockingengagement with each other to secure the first and second panels in theoverlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises a male M;M1, M2 locking element and a female Rx; Rx1, Rx2 locking element. Thefemale locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 is formed in the second panel 20;120. The male locking element M; M1, M2 is connected to the first panel12; 112. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 includes a cut 63formed in the second panel 20; 120. The second panel 20; 120 comprises acorner C defined by first and second peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119,132A, 131B of the second panel 20; 120. The first peripheral edge 19;119, at least in part, is hingedly connected to a third panel 18; 118.The second peripheral edge 31B; 131A, 131B, at least in part, ishingedly connected to a fourth panel 32B; 132A, 132B. The second panel20; 120 further comprises first and second portions on the oppositesides of the cut 63. The first portion extends between the cut 63 andthe corner C such that the first portion is brought into contact at aninside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking element M;M1, M2 when the male and female locking elements M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2are in the locking engagement. The cut 63 comprises first 65A, 65B andsecond 67A, 67B angled segments, best shown in FIG. 8B. The firstsegment 65A, 65B is disposed obliquely with respect to each of the firstand second peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B. The second segment67A, 67B extends from the first segment 65A, 65B away from the corner C.

The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 further includes an openingformed in the second portion of the second panel 20; 120, the opening isdefined in part by part of the cut 63.

The opening is defined in part by the second segments 67A, 67B of thecut 63.

The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 further includes a retaining tab60 hingedly connected to the second portion of the second panel 20; 120along a fold line 61. The opening is defined in the second portion whenthe retaining tab 60 is folded about the fold line 61 out of a plane ofthe second panel 20; 120.

The present disclosure provides a blank 10; 110 for forming a carton 90.The blank 10; 110 comprises a plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16,18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 connected together to define an interiorof the carton 90 for receiving at least one article. The plurality ofprimary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 includes aninner front panel 20; 120, a bottom panel 18, 118 hingedly connected tothe inner front panel 20; 120 along a first fold line 19; 119, a rearpanel 16; 116 hingedly connected to the bottom panel 18; 118 along asecond fold line 17; 117, a top panel 14, 114 hingedly connected to therear panel 16; 116 along a third fold line 15; 115, and an outer frontpanel 12; 112 hingedly connected to the top panel 14; 114 along a fourthfold line 13; 113. The inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 arearranged for placement in an overlapping position when the blank 10; 110is erected into a carton 90. The inner and outer front panels 20, 12;120, 112 are disposed at least in part in a face-contacting arrangement.The blank 10; 110 further comprises a pair of locking elements forlocking engagement with each other to secure the inner and outer frontpanels 20, 12; 120, 112 in the overlapping position. The pair of lockingelements comprises a male M; M1, M2 locking element and female Rx; Rx1,Rx2 locking element. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 is formedin the inner front panel 20; 120. The male locking element M; M1, M2 isconnected to the outer front panel 12; 112. The female locking elementRx; Rx1, Rx2 includes a cut 63 formed in the inner front panel 20; 120.The inner front panel 20; 120 comprises a corner C defined by first andsecond peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B of the inner frontpanel 20; 120. The first peripheral edge 19; 119, at least in part, ishingedly connected to a bottom panel 18; 118 by the first fold line 19;119. The second peripheral edge 31B; 131A, 131B, at least in part, ishingedly connected to an end flap 32B; 132A, 132B. The inner front panel20; 120 further comprises first and second portions on the oppositesides of the cut 63. The first portion extends between the cut 63 andthe corner C such that the first portion is brought into contact at aninside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking element M;M1, M2 when the male and female locking elements M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2are in the locking engagement. The cut 63 comprises first 65A, 65B andsecond 67A, 67B angled segments, best shown in FIG. 8B. The firstsegment 65A, 65B is disposed obliquely with respect to each of the firstand second peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B. The second segment67A, 67B extends from the first segment 65A, 65B away from the corner C.

The present disclosure provides a panel interlocking arrangementcomprising: first 12; 112 and second 20; 120 panels for placement in anoverlapping position where the first and second panels 12, 20; 112, 120are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement. A pairof locking elements is provided for locking engagement with each otherto secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position. Thepair of locking elements comprises a male M; M1, M2 locking element anda female Rx; Rx1, Rx2 locking element. The female locking element Rx;Rx1, Rx2 is formed in the second panel 20; 120. The male locking elementM; M1, M2 is connected to the first panel 12; 112. The first panel 12;112 is hingedly connected to a third panel 14; 114 along a first foldline 13; 113. The first and second panels 12, 20; 112, 120 are hingedlyconnected together indirectly through at least the third panel 14; 114for generally linear movement toward and relative to each other along anotional line X-X into the overlapping position. The notional line X-Xis parallel to at least one of the first and second panels 12, 20; 112,120 and is generally perpendicular to the first fold line 13; 113. Themale locking element M; M1, M2 comprises a locking tab 40 hingedlyconnected to the first panel 12; 112 along a second fold line 41 suchthat the male and female locking elements M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 areengageable into the locking engagement through the generally linearmovement of at least one of the first and second panels 12, 20; 112,120. The second fold line 41 is disposed obliquely with respect to thenotional line X-X.

The at least the third panel 14; 114 comprises two or more panels 14,16, 118; 114, 116, 118 hingedly connected together in series.

The present disclosure provides a blank 10; 110 for forming a carton 90.The blank 10; 110 comprises a plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16,18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 connected together to define an interiorof the carton 90 for receiving at least one article. The plurality ofprimary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 includes aninner front panel 20; 120, a bottom panel 18, 118 hingedly connected tothe inner front panel 20; 120 along a first fold line 19; 119, a rearpanel 16; 116 hingedly connected to the bottom panel 18; 118 along asecond fold line 17; 117, a top panel 14, 114 hingedly connected to therear panel 16; 116 along a third fold line 15; 115, and an outer frontpanel 12; 112 hingedly connected to the top panel 14; 114 along a fourthfold line 13; 113. The inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 arearranged for placement in an overlapping position when the blank 10; 110is erected into a carton 90. The inner and outer front panels 20, 12;120, 112 are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contactingarrangement to form a single front wall in the carton 90. The blank 10;110 further comprises a pair of locking elements for locking engagementwith each other to secure the inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120,112 in the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprisesa male M; M1, M2 locking element and female Rx; Rx1, Rx2 lockingelement. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 is formed in the innerfront panel 20; 120. The male locking element M; M1, M2 comprises alocking tab 40 hingedly connected to the outer front panel 12; 112 alonga fifth fold line 41. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 includes acut 63 formed in the inner front panel 20; 120. The inner front panel20; 120 comprises a corner C defined by first and second peripheraledges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B of the outer front panel 20; 120.

The first, second, third and fourth fold lines 17, 15, 13; 117, 115, 113are parallel to one another such that the inner and outer front panels20, 12; 120, 112 are movable relative to each other along a notionalline X-X into the overlapping position. The notional line X-X isparallel to at least one of the inner and outer front panels 20, 12;120, 112 and is generally perpendicular to the fourth fold line 13; 113.The fifth fold line 41 is disposed obliquely with respect to the fourthfold line 13; 113 such that the male and female locking elements M, Rx;M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 are engageable into the locking engagement throughlinear sliding movement of at least one of the inner and outer frontpanels 20, 12; 120, 112 along the notional line X-X toward and relativeto the other.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scopeof the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panelsand apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing sizeor shape.

Whilst the foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to afully enclosed carton it is envisaged that the dispenser may be employedin cartons of alternative design such as, but not limited to, wraparoundstyle cartons, basket carries and top gripping clips.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”,“upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to suchorientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from oneanother. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed asnecessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisagedthat a hinged connection can be formed from one or more of thefollowing: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line, withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. It can be appreciated thatvarious changes may be made within the scope of the present invention.For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may beadjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

As used herein, the term “cutaway” may refer to one of the following: arecess, a notch, a slot, an opening, a outline, a line of perforations,a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, aninterrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and anycombination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scopeof the invention.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” eachrefers to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank orsubstrate of sheet material, facilitate folding portions of the blank orsubstrate of sheet material with respect to one another, or otherwiseindicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank or substrate ofsheet material. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not beconstrued as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed ahinged connection can be formed from one or more fold lines.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following:a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line ofperforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a singlehalf-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scoresand any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from thescope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “severance line” may refer to all manner oflines formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material that facilitateseparating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from oneanother, or otherwise that indicate optimal separation locations on theblank or substrate. As used herein, the term “severance line” may referto one of the following: a single cut line, a single partial-depth cutline (e.g., a single half-cut line), an interrupted cut line, a scoreline, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of shortcuts, a line of short slits, a line of short partial-depth cuts (e.g., aline of short half cuts), and any combination of the aforementionedoptions.

It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines andseverance lines can each include elements that are formed in the blankor substrate of sheet material, including perforations, a line ofperforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a singlehalf-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, anycombination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned andarranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line ofperforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness todefine a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations canbe designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a foldline, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort toprovide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with littleeffort to provide a severance line.

1. A panel interlocking arrangement comprising: first and second panelsfor placement in an overlapping position wherein the first and secondpanels are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement;and a pair of locking elements for locking engagement with each other tosecure the first and second panels in the overlapping position, the pairof locking elements comprises a male locking element and female lockingelement, the female locking element being formed in the second panel,the male locking element being connected to the first panel, wherein thefemale locking element includes a cut formed in the second panel, thesecond panel comprising a corner defined by first and second peripheraledges of the second panel, the first peripheral edge being hingedlyconnected, at least in part, to a third panel, the second peripheraledge being hingedly connected, at least in part, to a fourth panel, thesecond panel further comprising first and second portions on theopposite sides of the cut, the first portion extending between the cutand the corner such that the first portion is brought into contact at aninside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking elementwhen the male and female locking elements are in the locking engagement,and wherein the cut comprises first and second angled segments, thefirst segment being disposed obliquely with respect to each of the firstand second peripheral edges, the second segment extending from the firstsegment away from the corner.
 2. A panel interlocking arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein the female locking element furtherincludes an opening formed in the second portion of the second panel,the opening being defined in part by part of the cut.
 3. A panelinterlocking arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the opening isdefined in part by the second segment of the cut.
 4. A panelinterlocking arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the femalelocking element further includes a retaining tab hingedly connected tothe second portion of the second panel along a fold line, wherein theopening is defined in the second portion when the retaining tab isfolded about the fold line out of a plane of the second panel.
 5. Ablank for forming a carton, the blank comprising: a plurality of primarypanels connected together to define an interior of the carton forreceiving at least one article, the plurality of primary panelsincluding an inner front panel, a bottom panel hingedly connected to theinner front panel along a first fold line, a rear panel hingedlyconnected to the bottom panel along a second fold line, a top panelhingedly connected to the rear panel along a third fold line, and anouter front panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fourthfold line, the inner and outer front panels being arranged for placementin an overlapping position when the blank is erected into a cartonwherein the inner and outer front panels are disposed, at least in part,in a face-contacting arrangement; a male locking element and a femalelocking element for locking engagement with each other to secure theinner and outer front panels in the overlapping position, the femalelocking element being formed in the inner front panel, the male lockingelement being connected to the outer front panel, wherein the femalelocking element includes a cut formed in the inner front panel, theinner front panel comprising a corner defined by first and secondperipheral edges of the inner front panel, the first peripheral edgebeing hingedly connected, at least in part, to the bottom panel by thefirst fold line, the second peripheral edge being hingedly connected, atleast in part, to an end flap, the inner front panel further comprisingfirst and second portions on opposite sides of the cut, the firstportion extending between the cut and the corner such that the firstportion is brought into contact at an inside surface thereof with atleast part of the male locking element when the male and female lockingelements are in the locking engagement, and wherein the cut comprisesfirst and second angled segments, the first segment being disposedobliquely with respect to each of the first and second peripheral edges,the second segment extending from the first segment away from thecorner.
 6. The panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 1wherein the first panel is hingedly connected to a third panel along afirst fold line, wherein the first and second panels are hingedlyconnected together indirectly through at least the third panel forgenerally linear movement toward and relative to each other along anotional line into the overlapping position, the notional line beingparallel to at least one of the first and second panels and beinggenerally perpendicular to the first fold line, wherein the male lockingelement comprises a locking tab hingedly connected to the first panelalong a second fold line such that the male and female locking elementsare engageable into the locking engagement through the generally linearmovement of at least one of the first and second panels, and wherein thesecond fold line is disposed obliquely with respect to the notionalline.
 7. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 6, whereinthe at least the third panel comprises two or more panels hingedlyconnected together in series.
 8. The blank according to claim 5 whereinthe male locking element comprises a locking tab hingedly connected tothe outer front panel along a fifth fold line, wherein the first,second, third and fourth fold lines are parallel to one another suchthat the inner and outer front panels are movable relative to each otheralong a notional line into the overlapping position, the notional linebeing parallel to at least one of the inner and outer front panels andbeing generally perpendicular to the fourth fold line, and wherein thefifth fold line is disposed obliquely with respect to the fourth foldline such that the male and female locking elements are engageable intothe locking engagement through linear sliding movement of at least oneof the inner and outer front panels along the notional line toward andrelative to the other.
 9. A panel interlocking device for securing apair of panels together, the panel interlocking device comprising: afirst part provided by one of the pair of panels and a second partprovided by the other one of the pair of panels, wherein the first partcomprises a male tab struck from within the one of the pair of panels,the male tab comprises a head section hingedly connected to a bodysection by a hinged connection, the body section is detachably connectedto the one of the pair of panels and struck therefrom, the body sectionis defined by at least one severance line, the severance line extendsbetween a first end of the hinged connection and a second end of thehinged connection, the head section defines a first aperture in the oneof the pair of panels, wherein the second part comprises a cutawaystruck from the other one of the pair of panels to form a receiver, thecutaway defines a second aperture which receives the head section, thesecond aperture provides a pair of opposing edges of the other one ofthe pair of panels, wherein in a locked condition, one of the pair ofopposing edges is disposed on a first side of the one of the pair ofpanels and a portion of the other one of the pair of opposing edges isdisposed on a second side of the one of the pair of panels, a portion ofthe other one of the pair of panels at least partially occludes thefirst aperture in the one of the pair of panels, the cutaway may beshaped such that the other one of the pair of opposing edges overlapswith the hinged connection between the head section and body section.10. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein thecutaway is shaped such that the one of the pair of opposing edges isspaced apart from the hinged connection between the head section andbody section.
 11. (canceled)
 12. A panel interlocking arrangementaccording to claim 9, wherein the severance line comprises a pair ofseverance lines, wherein the pair of severance lines comprises a firstpartial depth severance line provided in a first face of the one of thepair of panels and a second partial depth severance line provided in asecond, reverse, face of the one of the pair of panels.
 13. (canceled)14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A panel interlocking arrangementaccording to claim 9, wherein the cutaway comprises one of the featuresselected from the following group: a cut line, severance line, andopening.
 17. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9,wherein the cutaway comprises an opening defined at least in part by atab foldably connected to the other one of the pair of panels.
 18. Apanel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the cutawaycomprises a cutline and an opening adjacent to the cutline, the openingbeing provided on a leading edge or side of the receiver.
 19. A panelinterlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein a cut linedefines the receiver and comprises an intermediate portion and endportions, the end portions being offset with respect to the intermediateportion.
 20. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 19,wherein terminal ends of the end portions define a notional lineobliquely oriented with respect to a pair of adjacently disposed bracepanels hingedly connected to the other one of the pair of panels.
 21. Acarton of a clam shell arrangement comprising the panel interlockingarrangement according to claim 9, wherein the carton comprises, a trayand a lid hingedly connected to the tray, and wherein the first part isprovided by a panel forming one of the tray and lid and the second partis provided by a panel forming the other one of the tray and lid, thefirst and second parts being brought into engagement when the lid orcover is closed.
 22. A carton according to claim 21, wherein the lid isclosed by pivoting the lid about a hinged connection between the trayand the lid.
 23. A carton according to claim 22, wherein the fold linebetween the head section and the body section is obliquely oriented withrespect to the hinged connection between the tray and the lid.
 24. Acarton comprising the panel interlocking arrangement according to claim9, the first part being provided by a first one of the pair of panels,and the second part being provided by a second one of the pair ofpanels, the first one of the pair of panels being disposed inoverlapping relationship with the second one of the pair of panels toform a composite wall, the pair of panels being two of a plurality ofpanels hinged together in a linear series by respective fold lines.